Highlands County public meetings in 2024
48 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider adopting Resolution 24-25-047 to amend Budget 24-25-030, rolling forward FY 23/24 encumbrances into FY 24/25 for Special Benefit Districts. The amendment would increase the funds of three districts by a total of $6,979.71 (Fund 107 Placid Lakes $751.96; Fund 109 Istokpoga Marsh Imp District $5,748.75; Fund 128 SNL of Lake Placid $479.00). The board will also approve the minutes from the August 20 and September 5, 2024 special meetings of the districts. No other actions are listed on the agenda.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-047 for Budget Amendment 24-25-030 (encumbrance rollover)
- Increase of $6,979.71 to Special Benefit District funds: Fund 107 $751.96, Fund 109 $5,748.75, Fund 128 $479.00
- Approve minutes from the August 20, 2024 special meeting
- Approve minutes from the September 5, 2024 special meeting
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider Resolution 24-25-050 to appropriate $1,168,317.04 in regional and city/county opioid settlement funds, increasing the General Fund by $968,701.08. It will also consider Resolution 24-25-043, a budget amendment that appropriates $508,500 and transfers $708,115 to fund the purchase of 18 new LP35 Lifepaks and Narcan, including a $104,000 trade‑in credit and an $80,000 vendor discount. The purchases will be made from Project #23053 and transferred to Project #24031, with a $3,300 contract for related supplies.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-050 to appropriate $1,168,317.04 opioid settlement funds (fiscal impact $968,701.08)
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-043 (Budget Amendment 24-25-025) to appropriate $508,500 and transfer $708,115 for EMS Lifepak replacements
- Purchase 18 new LP35 Lifepaks and Narcan using opioid settlement funds
- Include $104,000 trade‑in credit for 13 LP15 Lifepaks and $80,000 vendor discount
- Contract amount of $3,300 for project equipment and operating supplies related to the Lifepak purchase
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider adopting Resolution 24-25-041, which amends the budget to appropriate an additional $150,000 for Project 23099 – roadway improvements in the Avon Park Estates Special Benefit District. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the July 16 and August 6, 2024 Special Districts meetings. Public comment and a public hearing are scheduled as part of the agenda.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-041 to appropriate $150,000 for Project 23099 (Avon Park Estates Roadway Improvements)
- Approve minutes from the July 16, 2024 Special Districts meeting
- Approve minutes from the August 6, 2024 Special Districts meeting
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several budget and contract items, including a $1,292,945.72 increase to the Sheriff’s FY24/25 budget. Other agenda items include approval of a State Fire Marshal grant for fire decontamination equipment, a $50,000 water‑quality and drainage study funded by ARPA, an agreement with Accenture LLP, and a financing agreement for the 80‑unit Avon Park Apartments affordable‑housing project. The meeting also features recognitions, public comment, and committee appointments.
- Adopt Resolution 24-25-040 to increase the Sheriff’s FY24/25 budget by $1,292,945.72.
- Approve State Fire Marshal Grant and Budget Amendment 24-25-017 for fire decontamination equipment totaling $19,926.41.
- Approve Professional Services Amendment 2 for water‑quality and drainage studies funded with $50,000 from ARPA Project #20056.
- Approve the agreement between Accenture LLP and Highlands County (no fiscal impact noted).
- Approve Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement for the 80‑unit Avon Park Apartments affordable‑housing development.
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several FY 23‑24 budget amendment resolutions. The items include aligning the Clerk of Courts and Supervisor of Elections budgets, cleaning up special benefit district accounts, and a large amendment that adds $5,310,670 to the General Fund and several other trust and special tax funds. Each resolution specifies the exact dollar increase and the fund(s) affected.
- Resolution 24‑25‑035: $58,000 increase to Fund 005 (General) for Clerk of Courts year‑end cleanup
- Resolution 24‑25‑036: $7,612.32 increase to Fund 005 (General) for Supervisor of Elections budget realignment
- Resolution 24‑25‑039: $45,009.09 increase across multiple Special Benefit District funds for FY 23‑24 cleanup
- Resolution 24‑25‑037: $58,000 increase to Fund 005 (General) for FY 23‑24 cost‑center cleanup of exceeded budgets
- Resolution (unnumbered) budget amendment: $5,310,670 total increase to Fund 005 General, Fund 110 Transportation Trust, Fund 123 Library Cooperative, Fund 152 Tourist Development Trust, Fund 155 Hospital District, Fund 176 State Court Facilities Trust, Fund 179 Court Tech, Fund 180 Building, Fund 181 Fire Assessments, and Fund 401 Solid Waste
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will adopt Budget Amendment 24‑25‑020, increasing multiple fund allocations by $34,279,993.75 for FY 24/25. The meeting also includes the swearing‑in of three new commissioners, the election of a Chair and Vice‑Chair, and the approval of a proclamation designating November 20, 2024 as GIS Day. Additional agenda items cover various fund transfers and re‑appropriations with no net fiscal impact.
- Swearing‑in of Commissioners Kevin J. Roberts, Scott A. Kirouac, and Chris Campbell
- Election of Chair and Vice‑Chair of the Board
- Approval of a proclamation recognizing November 20, 2024 as “GIS Day”
- Adoption of Budget Amendment 24‑25‑020 increasing funds by $34,279,993.75 across General, Transportation, Conservation, Infrastructure, Tourist Development, Building, Fire Assessment, Capital, and Energy Recovery funds
- Fund transfers: $27,916.50 from Project 24006 to Projects 24017/24018; $152,830.06 to Project 22030; $3,702.08 for Parks & Facilities Administrative Assistant position
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider a series of consent agenda items, including contract approvals, budget amendments, and grant acceptances. The most significant item is the acceptance of a Florida Sports Foundation Major Market Grant of $24,846,000 and the accompanying budget amendment. Additional items include a $5,000 Small Market Grant, a $417,382 landfill office building contract with Fabricon Modular, a $134,700 burn services agreement, and a Tourist Development Council Water Experience Grant of up to $50,000.
- Accept Florida Sports Foundation Major Market Grant of $24,846,000 (Resolution 24-25-019)
- Accept Florida Sports Foundation Small Market Grant of $5,000 (Resolution 24-25-020)
- Approve contract with Fabricon Modular, LLC for new Landfill Office Building ($417,382)
- Approve burn services agreements totaling $134,700 over three years
- Approve Tourist Development Council Water Experience Development Grant Program (up to $50,000)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on three zoning and land development matters, including a request for an ambulance certificate. The body is also deciding on several budget amendments and contracts for professional services.
- Public hearing for zoning change of 10.41 acres to Business District with a Planned Development (B-3 PD)
- Public hearing for zoning change of 26.84 acres to R-3 and 12.50 acres to B-2
- Budget Amendment 24-25-005 to roll forward project balances with a net increase of $2,325,023.34
- Agreement with VisionFirst Advisors for $55,000
- Tourist Development Grant of $18,200.00 for Hurricane Junior Golf Tour tournaments
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of Commissioners will vote on Resolution 24-25-012 to declare a local state of emergency for Hurricane Milton. The resolution would allow the county to waive certain procedures, establish a curfew in unincorporated areas, and designate disaster‑essential employees with overtime pay. The board will also consider approving the closure of county offices as part of the emergency response. Both actions are noted as having no fiscal impact.
- Approve Resolution 24-25-012 declaring a local state of emergency for Hurricane Milton
- Grant the Sheriff authority to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
- Designate disaster‑essential employees and permit overtime pay during the emergency
- Permit waiving of standard procedures for contracts, hiring, and equipment rental
- Approve closure of county offices related to the emergency
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss funding options for a revenue study by Alfred Benesch & Company and hold a public hearing on Land Development Regulation amendments. The meeting also includes several budget realignments and approvals for public safety projects.
- Proposed Comprehensive Alternative Revenue Funding Study with costs up to $413,798.00
- Public hearing on proposed amendments to Land Development Regulations (LDRs)
- Contract for $225,896.00 to The Lunz Group, Inc. for Spring Lake Fire Station #23 services
- Appropriation of $706,960.00 for two Next Gen E911 Grant Projects
- Ridge to River Conservation Planning Study agreement with North Florida Land Trust for $68,509.00
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of Supervisors will consider a consent agenda item to approve the minutes from the June 18, 2024 meeting of the Special Districts. The agenda lists no presentations, public comment, or other actions for this meeting. The approval is recommended by the County Commission agenda.
- Approve June 18, 2024 meeting minutes of the Special Districts (Attachment: 061824SPC.pdf)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider an ordinance to re-impose a five-cent local option gas tax and a one-cent fuel tax on motor and diesel fuel. These taxes fund transportation expenditures and road system maintenance within the county and its three municipalities.
- Ordinance 23-24-38 to re-impose five-cent local option gas tax (estimated $1,505,303.00 for FY 24/25)
- Ordinance 23-24-38 to re-impose one-cent fuel tax on motor and diesel fuel (estimated $520,432.00 for FY 24/25)
- Interlocal Agreement between Highlands County and the Clerk of Court and Comptroller regarding a CentralSquare Technologies, LLC software agreement
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider Resolution 23-24-211 to declare a local state of emergency for Tropical Storm Helene. They will also consider options for closing county offices on September 26‑27, 2024, ranging from a one‑day closure to keeping offices open. Both agenda items have no fiscal impact.
- Resolution 23-24-211 – declaration of a local state of emergency for Tropical Storm Helene (no fiscal impact)
- Option to close county offices on Thursday, September 26, 2024
- Option to close county offices on Thursday and Friday, September 26‑27, 2024
- Option to keep county offices open on Thursday and Friday, September 26‑27, 2024
- Authority for the sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew during the emergency (part of the resolution)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a final budget public hearing, present the FY 2024‑2025 tentative budget PowerPoint, and then vote to adopt the tentative budget and a series of required resolutions. The adopted budget totals $221,198,343, including a $105,837,449 General Fund and a 6.63 % tax increase with a tentative millage rate of 7.6000. Adoption will cover special benefit district assessments, the millage, the budget, the fee schedule, and the capital financial strategy.
- Presentation of FY 2024‑2025 tentative budget PowerPoint (no fiscal impact)
- Public hearing to receive written and oral comments on the proposed budget
- Adoption of FY 2024‑2025 tentative budget – fiscal impact $221,198,343
- Resolution adoption for special benefit districts assessments, tentative millage, fee schedule, and capital financial strategy
- General Fund allocation of $105,837,449 and a 6.63 % tax increase (millage rate 7.6000)
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors will certify non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25, with an estimated combined revenue of approximately $175,954.52. The Board will also consider a request to spend up to $20,000 on repairs and maintenance for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District.
- Certification of non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25
- Request to spend up to $20,000 on repairs and maintenance for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District
- Public hearing for the certification of the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25
- Approval of the certification of the non-ad valorem assessment rolls for nine Municipal Service Benefit Units for FY 24-25
- Request direction on expending funds for repairs and maintenance items relative to IMWID
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of Commissioners will consider a series of budget amendments, contract extensions, and grant acceptances at its September 5 meeting. A key item is Resolution 23-24-169, which adds $90,000 to Project Capital Infrastructure and $60,000 to Miscellaneous Intergovernmental Reimbursement for the North Main Ave/CR 17 pedestrian crossing, while reducing salaries by $30,000. Other actions include approving a $105,806 Emergency Management Preparedness Assistance Grant and a $39,950 surplus property sale, among several contract and tourism‑related adjustments.
- Resolution 23-24-169: add $90,000 to Project Capital Infrastructure and $60,000 to Intergovernmental Reimbursement for North Main Ave/CR 17 pedestrian crossing (and reduce salaries by $30,000).
- Resolution 23-24-192: accept the 2024‑2025 Emergency Management Preparedness Assistance Grant for $105,806 to Fund 005 (General).
- Resolution 23-24-188: approve $39,950 revenue from the sale of one county‑owned surplus property to the General Fund.
- Amendment 3 to the Tourism Consultant Services Agreement: increase Fund 152 (Tourist Development) by $3,055.40 for FY 2024‑25.
- Agreement with MidFlorida Armored & ATM Services, Inc.: budgeted $94,725 in the General Fund and $15,000 in the Solid Waste Fund for armored services.
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering a budget amendment to reorganize funding for Lake Placid Fire Station 36. The proposal involves creating a new project number to consolidate funds and start the project fresh for stakeholders.
- Resolution 23-24-175 to approve Budget Amendment 23-24-161
- Increase of $18,818.85 to Fund 144 (Lake Placid Special Benefit Fire Dist.)
- Transfer of $402,777.13 from Project 18051 to new Project 23091 (Lake Placid Fire Station 36)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several resolutions, including a transfer of Sun ’N Lake Boulevard and construction of a new segment of Schumacher Road. The board will also accept multiple small grants for tourism events and a Florida Sports Foundation grant, and approve a consultant contract for a bridge structural analysis. A public hearing will consider Ordinance 23-24-36 to extend the county’s impact‑fee moratorium, which could reduce fee revenue by an estimated $2.5 million per year.
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-174 to transfer Sun ’N Lake Boulevard and fund $650,000 design/construction of Schumacher Road segment
- Accept Florida Sports Foundation Small Market Grant of $3,703 for tourism budget amendment
- Approve tourist development grants: $17,125 for 2024 Lake Placid Dragboat Event and $15,400 for 2024 UFFL Weekend Warrior Tournament
- Public hearing on Ordinance 23-24-36 to extend impact‑fee moratorium, estimated $2.5 M annual revenue loss
- Authorize Consultant Service #4 with Kimley‑Horn for structural analysis of Arbuckle Creek Road Bridge, funding transferred from reserve account
Meeting of the Districts
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider several items at its August 6 meeting. It will approve response letters to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture to extend the IMWID Phase II grant (no fiscal impact). It will adopt a budget amendment adding $20,000 to Fund 148 and $22,349 to Fund 128, increasing district funds by $42,349. It will also adopt a budget amendment allocating $310,066 to Fund 111 for Avon Park Estates Roadway Improvements (Project No. 23099).
- Approve response letters to FDEP and FDACS for extending the IMWID Phase II Grant Agreement (no fiscal impact).
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-164, increasing Fund 148 by $20,000 and Fund 128 by $22,349 (total $42,349).
- Discuss direction for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District (no fiscal impact).
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-160, increasing Fund 111 by $310,066 for Avon Park Estates Roadway Improvements (Project No. 23099).
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of Commissioners will consider a series of budget amendments, pay‑grade changes, and proclamations. Key items include a $1,356,491.63 contract with SEMCO Construction for the Sheriff's Office Animal Services project and a solid‑waste special assessment increase that could generate about $268,696.32 in revenue. The meeting also includes public hearings on a large‑scale plan amendment to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and routine approvals such as library material donations and fire‑service pay‑grade upgrades.
- Approve SEMCO Construction, Inc. contract ($1,356,491.63) for Highlands County Sheriff's Office Animal Services project
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-153 to re‑impose solid‑waste special assessment, raising revenue by $268,696.32
- Increase Public Safety Director/Fire Chief pay grade from 122 to 123 (salary range $89,945‑$134,917)
- Transfer funds between Lake Placid Fire Station projects (no fiscal impact)
- Public hearing on Large Scale Plan Amendment CPA‑24‑631LS to amend Future Land Use Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will consider approving Resolution 23-24-170. The resolution would declare a local state of emergency in response to Invest 97L. It authorizes a curfew, disaster‑essential employee designations, overtime pay, and allows waiving certain procedures. The emergency would begin upon adoption and last seven days, with extensions possible up to a total of 42 days, and has no fiscal impact.
- Adopt Resolution 23-24-170 to declare a local state of emergency for Invest 97L
- Authorize the Highlands County Sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
- Designate disaster‑essential employees and permit overtime pay during the emergency
- Allow waivers of procedures for contracts, hiring, equipment rental, and other actions
- Set the emergency duration to 7 days, extendable in 7‑day increments up to 42 days
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution that would increase the special assessment for Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District by approximately $60,562 annually, raising the total to about $121,125.
- Public hearing on Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District assessment increase
- Approval of May 7, 2024, Special Districts meeting minutes
- Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District assessment to increase to $121,125 annually
- Highlands Park Estates Special Benefit District MSBU assessment for FY 2024-25
- Resolution 23-24-146 regarding re-imposition of Chapter 9, Article XXXVI (36) assessment
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to vet requested budgets for constitutional officers and outside agencies for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Staff recommended limiting budget increases for controllable costs to 5.00%.
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Sheriff: $40,569,366
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Clerk of Courts: $5,850,954
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Property Appraiser: $3,775,036
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Tax Collector: $2,595,956
- Recommended FY 24-25 budget for Supervisor of Elections: $1,761,003
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will hold a workshop to consider the Capital Financial Strategy presentation covering fiscal years 2023/24 through 2033/34. The meeting also includes budget presentations from several county departments.
- Review of the 10-year Capital Financial Strategy
- Budget presentation for Business Services
- Budget presentation for Public Safety
- Budget presentation for Road & Bridge
- Budget presentation for Solid Waste
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board is considering Ordinance 23-24-34 to extend a temporary moratorium on development orders for mobile home subdivisions and parks. The proposed extension runs from July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. This allows staff more time to gather community input for revised regulations.
- Extension of temporary moratorium on mobile home subdivisions through September 30, 2024
- Adoption of Ordinance 23-24-34 regarding development orders
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing to consider re-imposing and increasing a special assessment for the Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District. The proposal would increase the rate from $25 to $35 per parcel. This change is projected to increase annual revenue for the district by approximately $70,129.
- Public hearing for Preliminary Resolution 23-24-124 regarding special assessment re-imposition
- Proposed increase of Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District assessment from $25 to $35 per parcel
- Estimated annual fiscal impact of approximately $70,129 for the district
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider several budget amendments for infrastructure and public safety projects. The agenda also includes a public hearing regarding manufactured home and RV park regulations. Additionally, the board will review various contract amendments and service awards.
- Appropriation of $121,342.12 for the Memorial Dr. - Pompano Dr. to Sebring Parkway multi-use path project
- Public hearing on proposed changes to manufactured home and RV park requirements
- Budget amendment of $100,000 for E911 cybersecurity services
- Transfer of $250,000 for the construction of an EOC Steel Warehouse
- A $5,000 Sport Event Tourist Development Grant for the 2024 Youth Baseball Division II State Tournament
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution 23-24-113. This resolution involves re-imposing a special assessment to address rising maintenance costs and upcoming projects. If approved, the annual collection for the district is projected to increase from approximately $60,563 to $121,125.
- Public hearing for Resolution 23-24-113 regarding special assessment re-imposition
- Proposed assessment rate of $20 for FY 2024-25
- Projected annual increase in Fund 148 of approximately $60,562
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Interim Fire Chief is requesting a reconsideration of the maximum rate for the Fire Assessment. The proposal seeks to repeal the current 83.93% maximum rate for Fire Operations and establish a new 100% maximum rate. This request aims to address future funding sustainability for Highlands County Fire Rescue.
- Request to increase Fire Operations assessment rate from 83.93% to 100%
- Proposal to retain the approved capital rate at an 80% maximum
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to approve previous minutes and discuss a special assessment for the Sun ‘N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District. A request has been made to postpone the final public hearing for this assessment to June 18, 2024, to meet notice requirements.
- Proposed increase of Sun ‘N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District assessment to $35 per parcel
- Estimated annual revenue increase of $70,129 for Fund 128 if the $35 rate is set
- Approval of April 16, 2024, Meeting Minutes of the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss the transfer of Sun 'N Lake Boulevard to the Sun N Lake Improvement District. The meeting includes various budget amendments, disaster debris contracts, and a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan's transportation map.
- Proposed transfer of Sun 'N Lake Boulevard to Sun N Lake Improvement District to reduce maintenance costs by $140,000 over 15 years
- Tourist Development Grant of $90,000 annually (2024-2026) for the Florida Blast Lacrosse Tournament
- Planning Advisory Services Agreement with Central Florida Regional Planning Council for $65,000
- Public hearing for Plan Amendment CPA-23-629LS regarding the Transportation Element Map
- Budget Amendment 23-24-046 to close Project 21056 Carver Park Restrooms and return $46,375 to Fund 151
Meeting of the Districts
The Board is considering Resolution No. 23-24-111 to re-impose and increase the special assessment for the Placid Lakes Special Benefit District. The proposed change would set the rate at $40 per lot, resulting in an estimated annual increase of approximately $81,225 for the district.
- Public hearing regarding Resolution No. 23-24-111 to increase Placid Lakes Special Benefit District assessment to $40 per lot
- Proposed fiscal impact of $81,225 annual increase to Fund 107 (Placid Lakes Special Benefit District)
- Approval of April 2, 2024, meeting minutes for the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing a Fire Assessment Study conducted by Anser Advisory Services. The workshop examines current assessment methodologies and proposes several rate scenarios for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and vacant land properties.
- Review of Fire Assessment Study by Anser Advisory Services
- Proposed rate scenarios without capital ranging from $8,105,808 to $9,825,289 in net revenue
- Proposed rate scenarios with capital ranging from $12,271,155 to $14,468,281 in net revenue
- Current FY 23-24 residential rate of $0.05610 per square foot
- Proposed schedule to adopt Final Assessment Resolution on August 6, 2024
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts will hold a public hearing to consider increasing the special assessment for the Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District. The board will also review minutes from three previous special meetings.
- Proposed increase of Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District assessment to $35 per parcel
- Estimated annual revenue increase of $70,129 for Fund 128
- Approval of minutes from February 6, March 5, and March 19, 2024 special meetings
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing several budget amendments for infrastructure and housing projects. The agenda includes public hearings regarding land use amendments and zoning changes for residential and agricultural properties.
- Jail Expansion Project: Ajax Building Company, LLC CMAR agreement for $103,284.00
- Istokpoga Park parking lot expansion: $40,000.00 transfer via Resolution 23-24-101
- Sebring Fuel Station project: $157,000.00 fund transfer from Lake Placid Fuel Station
- R&B Equipment emergency excavator purchase: $236,070.00 appropriation
- Zoning change for 15.17 acres from R-3 FUD to R-3
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to discuss budget amendments and special assessments. The body will consider increasing a lot assessment for Placid Lakes and funding road work in Sebring Acres.
- Proposed increase of Placid Lakes Special Benefit District assessment from $30 to $40 per lot
- Budget Amendment 23-24-075 for road improvements on McDuffy Rd and Andretti Dr in Sebring Acres SBD
- Estimated cost of $60,000 for Sebring Acres road projects
- Estimated annual revenue increase of $81,225 for Placid Lakes Special Benefit District
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review several budget amendments and interlocal agreements. Key items include tourist development grants for softball tournaments and funding for jail and park improvements.
- Tourist Development Grants for US Fastpitch Association tournaments: $60,000 (2024), $57,000 (2025), and $57,000 (2026)
- Recreation Interlocal Agreement with City of Sebring: $125,000
- Jail Chiller Evaluation Study funding: $200,000 from Infrastructure Surtax
- Medal of Honor Park completion funding: $93,000
- Vacation of drainage easement at 228 Hunter Avenue, Lake Placid
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering a budget amendment to correct project rollover balances from FY 22/23 into FY 23/24. This action aims to properly budget available funds based on end-of-year close-out actuals.
- Resolution 23-24-70 for Budget Amendment 23-24-055: $19,310.06 increase to Fund 109 (Istokpoga Marsh Improvement District)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss several public hearings regarding zoning and land development regulations. The meeting includes votes on grant acceptances, interlocal agreements, and budget amendments for the Sheriff's office and critical infrastructure.
- Acceptance of a $40,000 Competitive Florida Partnership Grant for retail recruitment
- Public hearing for a 9.91-acre parcel rezoning from Conservation/Management Lands to Agriculture
- Proposed text amendments to Land Development Regulations for wireless communications facilities
- Budget amendment to appropriate $320,577.50 in Sheriff’s Miscellaneous Revenue
- Interlocal Agreement with the City of Avon Park for $125,000 for recreational facilities
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to discuss budget adjustments and property transfers. Key items include a budget increase for the Istokpoga Marsh Improvement District and a property deed execution in Lake Placid.
- Resolution 23-24-70: Budget Amendment 23-24-055 to increase Fund 109 (Istokpoga Marsh Improvement District) by $19,310.06
- Authorization to execute a Quit Claim Deed for property at 349 Parker Street NE, Lake Placid
- Approval of meeting minutes from December 5, 2023, December 19, 2023, and January 18, 2024
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss funding for the Florida Medal of Honor Memorial and a retail recruitment study. They are also deciding whether to proceed with or terminate the Arbuckle Branch Rd Construction Project.
- Budget Amendment 23-24-056 for State Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP) funds of $1,184,677.00
- Agreement with Florida Medal of Honor Memorial, Inc. not to exceed $93,000
- Retail study and recruitment agreement with Retail Strategies funded by a $40,000 grant
- Decision on whether to commence or terminate the Arbuckle Branch Rd Construction Project
- Fee waivers for 2024 Kiwanis Aktion Softball Classic ($600) and Placid Lakes HOA Cleanup ($135)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will hold a public hearing to determine action regarding the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued to Rapid Response Medical Transportation LLC d/b/a Rapid Response Ambulance. The company is alleged to have violated Florida Statutes and county ordinances by failing to update records with Highlands County Fire Rescue and using improper vehicle lighting.
- Public hearing regarding Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Rapid Response Medical Transportation LLC
- Consent agenda item: FL Medal Of Honor Agreement
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on a temporary moratorium for mobile home subdivisions and several zoning amendments. The body is also reviewing a budget amendment to adjust rollover project balances by over $38 million.
- Proposed temporary moratorium on mobile home subdivision and park development applications
- Budget Amendment 23-24-054 to adjust FY 22/23 rollover project balances by $38,653,468.14
- Budget Amendment 23-24-050 for a $150,000 boardroom audiovisual overhaul
- Public hearing for Affordable Housing Surplus Land Inventory List including parcels in Lake Placid, Avon Park, and Sebring
- Request for direction on selling county-owned hospital facilities with appraisal costs up to $50,000
Meeting of the Districts
The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to discuss budget adjustments and approve previous meeting minutes. The primary action item involves correcting project rollover balances from the 2022-23 fiscal year.
- Resolution 23-24-61: Budget Amendment 23-24-048 to increase Fund 144 (Lake Placid Special Benefit Fire District) by $1,731.55
- Approval of minutes from the November 7, 2023 Meeting of the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss the sale of 317 county-owned properties via online auction. The meeting includes public hearings for medical transport certificates and a discussion on future mobile home development standards.
- Request to declare 317 county-owned properties as surplus, primarily in Sun 'n Lake of Sebring
- Public hearings for COPCN applications from Lifefleet Southeast Inc., Affordable Transport, Inv., Atlantic Palm Beach, Inc., and Positive Mobility Inc.
- Appropriation of $199,615.96 in opioid settlement funds for substance abuse treatments
- Donation of surplus land at 8901 Castile Road to Spring Lake Improvement District (valued at $18,500)
- Budget amendment of $61,700 for Nuisance Abatement from Reserve for Contingency
Meeting of the Districts
The meeting agenda consists primarily of procedural boilerplate. The only specific action item listed is the approval of minutes from a previous meeting.
- Approval of minutes from the October 17, 2023 Meeting of the Special Districts
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on repealing 10 special benefit fire districts and transferring their remaining balances to the Fire Assessment Fund. The body is also considering a zoning change for a 14.73-acre parcel and various budget amendments.
- Public hearings to repeal 10 fire districts, including Lake Placid and West Sebring, to fund brush trucks and Station 36
- Proposed zoning change for a 14.73-acre parcel from Agricultural (AU) to Multiple Family Dwelling (R-3 PD)
- Budget Amendment 23-24-042 for rollover project adjustments totaling a budget increase of $38,653,468.14
- Request to purchase two ambulances via Budget Amendment 23-24-040
- Acceptance of Florida Sport Foundation grants for $1,418.00 and $3,879.00
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing several grant agreements and budget amendments. Key items include tourism funding for an obstacle course race and construction agreements for facility management.
- Tourist Development Grant for Spartan Trifecta Weekend: $90,000 per year for 2024, 2025, and 2026
- Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. (projects up to $2M new or $1M rehab)
- Grant agreement for Nu-Hope Elder Care Services, Inc.: $50,000
- Grant agreement for Peace River Center for Personal Development, Inc.: $30,000
- Budget amendment for Sheriff's bullet proof vest grant program: $7,747.92